Portable Bladder Scanner Improves Volume Measurements

A portable three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound (US) system uses deep learning technology to improve bladder volume measurement accuracy.

The Verathon (Bothell, WA, USA) BladderScan Prime Plus uses a second-generation proprietary algorithm called ImageSense, which combines clinical data from thousands of scans and tens of thousands of US images with artificial intelligence (AI) deep learning in order to provide a bladder volume measurement accuracy of ±7.5% on volumes from 100-999 mL, and ±7.5mL on volumes from 0-100mL. An intuitive touch-screen interface, live B-mode scanning, and onboard self-diagnostics are used to significantly improve ease-of-use with the aid of several key usability features, including:

• One-mode scanning for all patient types with a single fully sealed probe that protects the sensitive electronics against accidental moisture spills.
• Point-and-click use that requires no manual probe fanning, minimizes user error, and optimizes clinical workflows.
• A BladderTraq aiming assist feature and new visual or color cues to indicate proper aiming.
• A durable, medical-grade design and simplified cleaning process for real-world use and in order to meet compliance with hospital disinfectant standards.
• Enhanced off-center scan alerts and a pubic bone interference indicator.

“We have designed BladderScan Prime Plus to have the optimal combination of accuracy and ease of use across a wide range of clinical users and settings,” said Earl Thompson, President of Verathon. “It offers a streamlined workflow that can help improve patient care, and help reduce or avoid catheter-associated urinary tract infection.”

Bladder volume measurement is a well-established metric used in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of medical conditions. It is a critical component of comprehensive catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) prevention programs, an area of intense focus for hospitals in the United States as a result of Medicare penalties for hospitals with high CAUTI rates. Penalties include reducing payments by one percent for hospitals with a high number of hospital acquired conditions (HACs).